It's not 'if' I win but 'when' I win. Usyk has made a bold statement ahead of his bout with Fury

The unified WBO/WBA/IBF/IBO heavyweight champion, Alexander Usyk, directed a message to his upcoming opponent, Tyson Fury.

The Ukrainian confidently expressed his belief in triumphing over the WBC titleholder, asserting his anticipation of ascending to the status of super heavyweight division.

"Firstly, it's not 'if' I win but 'when' I win. When I go to sleep I imagine myself boxing, then my hand raised high. I simply believe that I can win.

“I got into his head and now instead of me, he thinks about a rabbit. Keep thinking, brother,” Usyk said for SkySports.

The much-anticipated clash between Tyson and Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight champion is set for February 17, 2024, in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh. The bout will stake the IBF, WBA, WBO, and IBO belts held by Usyk, alongside the WBC title owned by the Gypsy King.

Fury recently had a tough victory against Francis Ngannou. Renowned promoter Eddie Hearn had mentioned that a rematch between Fury and Ngannou is nearly confirmed.

Usyk, in August 2023, secured a win over British fighter Daniel Dubois, successfully defending his titles.